As the oldest of three boys (who bumped heads with my father many times), a former active duty Marine, and an over-thinker extraordinary, I identify with many of the themes in your books. Thanks for sharing your gift with the rest of us. I wish I could go back and read your novels for the first time all over again. I enjoy your wit most of all -- your ability to induce laughter even in your stories' most stressful situations is a good lesson about life. Take good care of yourself, keep up the exercising, and I hope I have the honor of shaking your hand sometime soon. You are always welcome to our home here in Loveland, if you can stand the racket from my three boys (funny how that worked out) !!

After reading and loving SOB, I got Pat's cookbook and sure enough found the Benne Wafers... has anyone noticed that there is no sugar in his recipe (all the ones on the internet that say they are from Charleston Receipts have 2 cups). EDITORS... is there an omission???ALSO, sorry you are ill, Pat, I want my book signed and am in Southern California!!!

Mr Conroy ,Thank you, thank you. South of Broad took me on a wonderful emotional journey. You are with out a doubt one of the greatest writers of our time. I have never even thought about writing an author until I read your latest book. My grandaughter said best. I asked her the other day what she most liked about the book she just finished " Winn Dixie" She says POP POP the author made me feel like I was part of the book "You sir did exactly that. I give my word i will tell all my friends and family. That this book is one of the very best books that has ever been written. I was so enthralled when I was reading SOB I ran out and bought a second copy for my girlfriend.We finished at the same time and felt this was a book that we will never forget. Thank you again

Mr. Conroy,I have read all of your books except The Boo and SOB... which I am about to order. I read The Great Santini for the second time last week. Once again I was from tears to laughter with every chapter. I never tire of the "Wizard of Words"... you are my favorite author of all time! Please keep me entertained with more frequent publications. I do so look forward to your next work. Like others, I even have your cookbook. Continued good health and happiness. If you're ever over this way, stop by another Southern Beauty... Lake Martin. It's beauty and serenity just might lure you and Cassandra away from the Atlantic shore to this lake shore.

Dear Pat,Thank goodness for a new Pat Conroy! I'm reading SOB now... my other books by your esteemed self show signs of decrepitude... I think even my cats have read them.Mr. Conroy, I think that you are the greatest American writer of our own time, and possibly of all time. Your gift for description and dialogue are unsurpassed.I'm so glad you've found your happiness in marriage and in your life... you have brought joy to all your readers by sharing your amazing genius with us. As always, words are totally inadequate to describe our most loved things. Do keep finding stories to tell us. Discovering a new Pat Conroy is better than gold!Your friend,Laura Marlow

I'm not a writer, but I know great writing. My boys learned the gift of reading and the art of writing and good sportsmanship by reading Pat Conroy's words. I've learned how to treat children well and to appreciate great food and to despise injustice and to embrace the inconsistencies of all our human natures. I've above all else learned to understand my own lost boy who died by suicide in 2007. And because I now understand what it takes to write with such honest brutality, I'll no longer hold my breath waiting for Pat Conroy's next book. If your words, Pat Conroy, can be blended, barbecued and passed on in my genes, then I shall be a happy and peaceful ghost. But... in the meantime... Have sons, Pat Conroy, have suns.

I closed the last page of Prince of Tides ten minutes ago. The story moved me to tears over and over because I identify with everyone but most closely to Luke; and many say I'll end like him. Thank you for letting God use you as you were created to be. I pray Lord Holy Ghost keeps you and fills you with peace in the knowledge of eternal Salvation through Christ Jesus the King.

I've just finished reading SOB and want to commend you once again for a book hard to put down. All your characters were so real that I felt like I personally knew them. My dear husband worked at the hospital on Bull Street and knew you brother.. they were friends. Keep writing my friend ..Going to read you wife's book now... Mary Anne